Community of Readers, sponsored by Leatherby Libraries, is the summer reading program for Chapman University.

Friday, August 17, 2012

The Thirty-Nine Steps by John BuchanThough vocabulary and assumptions may be dated
(the book originally came out in 1915), the story of the regular guy trying to
outwit (and identify) his pursuers is an entertaining and quick treat.

The foundation trilogy : three classics of science fiction by Isaac Asimov

A great trilogy from Isaac Asimov exploring the
creation and development of The Foundation(s) -- communities set up by
psychohistorian Hari Seldon who used mathematics to predict the fall (and
eventual rise) of society. Interesting to see the progression of
social/economic/political dynamics predicted in the book as well as a very
50s-era view of the role of women in these societies.

Bones by Jonathan KellermanI really enjoyed it when I read it, but when I
closed this book I couldn't remember anything about it. Satisfying enough for
fans of Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels, but ultimately forgettable.

This is the very interesting and thought
provoking story of a very complicated young man, Chris McCandless, who
abandoned his well-off life to drift around the country, eventually walking
alone into the wilderness of central Alaska where he later died. While I
appreciate the great amount of research Krakauer put into this work, I was
somewhat frustrated by the large amount of the text that was spent comparing
McCandless' life with the similar stories of others. Though, the research into
McCandless' philosophies was interesting, and it is easy to see how this whole
story brings up a lot of questions and debates.

In this book, one of the leaders of the Slow
Food movement presents the ideas and philosophies behind it. I found it
informative, but more than a little philosophical and even bordering on slighty
offensive as it decries the big agricultural businesses in favor of smaller,
regional, and more eco-friendly gastronomic practices.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Nat TurnerbyKyle Baker

A graphic novel that tells the life-story of Nat
Turner in his own words - taken from his confessions in 1831 - but mostly
through very powerful and (obviously, violent) drawings. Although the subject
matter of this book is very disturbing, it also portrays a future of hope on
the last few pages. The drawings alone are enough reason to pick up this book.

Sacre Bleu by Christopher MooreChristopher Moore always has me giggling
throughout the entire book. This one is a bit different than the others I have
read. It's more of a mystery that keeps you involved wanting to know how it
will plan out for our main character Lucien. I absolutely loved it! My only
critique would be if you are not familiar with the histories of all the artists
mentioned you will miss a lot of the jokes.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy KalingI was an avid fan of the US version of "The
Office" and admired her work as both a writer/actor/director/producer of
the show. This book is geared toward those who know who Mindy Kaling is, and it
was an enjoyable read for her wit and humor. Most of her writing is
female-related in a stream-of-consciousness style so I would only recommend
this book to her fans, women who like humor and aspiring comedians/writers.

The title is a perfect description of the 60
pages in this book. They consist of a compilation of diary entries as the
author came to terms with the loss of his wife. It's a little hard to read if
you're prone, like me, to fret about a time you already have been, or will in
the future be, forced to endure the same struggle. But it does have a lovely
ending.

Monday, August 13, 2012

After Dark by Haruki Murakami

This is the first literary work I've read by
Murakami and I very much enjoyed getting an idea of his poignant writing with
an interesting prose conveyed with symbolism and insights into the mind of his
characters. After Dark is an immersive book that takes place in the course of
one night and is able to seamlessly alternate between reality and the surreal
dream world. Judging from this book, I am excited to read some of his other
works as well.

"We the Animals" is a collection of
loosely tied short stories of three brothers growing up in a chaotic home. The
book follows them to adulthood and explores how early childhood experiences
affect who we become later in life. Simultaneously funny, heartbreaking,
hopeful and thrilling.

The Case for Christianity by C.S. LewisC. S. Lewis prefaces this book with an
explanation of it’s being composed of lectures he was asked to give, not, he
supposes, because he was a any kind of scholar on the subject, (It was English,
not Religion, that he was commissioned to teach at Oxford), but rather a
layman, who’d simply spent many years as an atheist, grappling with such
niggling contradictions to his conviction of the non-existence of any God, as
the "Law of Nature", described herein as man’s apparent instinctual
sense of morality. Lewis explains his conclusions by means of debating contrary
assertions, introduced as letters from his audience, questioning such things as
the evidence of any sense of morality in the acts of the Germans, reminding the
present day reader of the times in which he lived, and presenting thoughtful
arguments for his case. 56 pages.

Friday, August 10, 2012

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

This book was a real tear jerker. Sparks, known for his
romantic stories, serves up just what you would expect in this novel: a love
story. In this particular story, we get the tale of how Gabby and Travis fell
in love and then are met with a tough decision. I don’t want to spoil the story
with too many details, but the overall theme is “how far should a person go in
the name of love?”

A Brief Account of the New Sect of Latitude-Men by Simon PatrickWritten by Simon Patrick, this is a letter and a
response in 1662 regarding "Latitude-Men" (those favoring latitude of
thought, action, or conduct in religious matters). Rosicrucians, King Aurther's
knights, among others are made reference to. Refers to non-latitude-men as
"narrow-men." If you can get past the old timey language and the use
of f's for s's, it is an interesting read.

This is a great book for kids describing the
lengths that librarians go to world-wide to get books into the hands of
children. It is organized by country and includes a brief demographic and map
section for each. Pictures of all the transportation means are included
(including camels, elephants, bicycles, etc).

On Chesil Beach: a novel by Ian McEwanHaving been familiar with McEwan's style of
writing from reading Atonement, I was very captivated by this hauntingly
emotional novel about the honeymoon of a newlywed couple. The main characters
are both going through their own set of nerves and uneasiness. The way McEwan
is able to weave their back story with the couple's present situation is
fantastic, and the prose flows very naturally.

Being a Disney fan, I felt it compelling to read
more into the life of the man who created the Happiest Place on Earth. This
biography had a very straightforward tone but was able to condense a lot of
detail in chronological order and bring together a variety of viewpoints from
other similar biographies very well.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Katherine Boo spent 3 years befriending and
interviewing Christian, Hindu and Muslim families living in Annawadi, one of
the world's largest slums, located in India surrounding the luxury hotels and
shops of Mumbai's airport. The books full title refers to this slum as an
"Undercity" and Boo details the intricate social structures,
prejudices and authoritative hierarchies members within this community must deal
with in their daily struggle to just simply survive. Indeed, Annawadi exists in
a world of its own. Boo's writing style makes the reading of such depressing
destitution very interesting and informative. However, I would not recommend
reading this book just before falling asleep.

Mighty be our powers : how sisterhood, prayer, and sex changed a nation at war : a memoir by Leymah Gbowee

Leymah Gbowee is a political activist in Liberia
and one of three women who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize. This memoir
tells Gbowee's story of growing up as a young woman in Liberia during their 14
years of Civil War, her involvement with the U.S. as a women, and how her
activism was instrumental in ending that war. Gbowee's activism included
organizing 3,000 Christian and Muslum women in peaceful public protests, and
confronting rebel warlords and then President Charles Taylor - infamous for his
use of "blood diamonds", child soldiers and machetes, in both Liberia
and Sierra Leone. Taylor was recently convicted of Crimes Against Humanity by
an International Criminal Court in the Hague. Gbowee was also involved with the
election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of Liberia - the first women
President ever elected in all of Africa. I found this memoir by Gbowee's to be
a more interesting read than Sirleaf's "This Child Will Be Great."

Beyond Personality by C.S. LewisI’ve always admired C.S. Lewis, who made closets
(or “wardrobes,” as they say in 1950 England) so compelling, as possible
passages to a magical place, with his “Chronicles of Narnia”. My admiration
grew as I cried my way through the biographical movie “Shadowlands”, after
which I could no longer read anything by or about him, without picturing the
wizened face of Anthony Hopkins. But it’s taken me more than 20 years since I
first learned Mr. Lewis authored works on Christianity to get around to reading
one. What a waste of time! (the waiting, not the reading!) The illustrations
used to elucidate the essence of the Christian Faith are brilliant, inspired,
and inspiring. 68 pages.

A Woman's Mourning Song by Bell HooksA book of essays and poems: an interesting essay
about the cultural approach to death and dying by Africans and Afro-Americans,
along with Hooks' own experiences as a child growing up in Kentucky; and a
series of poems reflecting Hooks' personal mournings for the loss of loved
ones, self, and the resulting horrors of war. Not a light read, but powerful.

This is the
third book in Bell Hook's "Love Trilogy". I had never read Hook's
works before and wasn't sure what to expect from the title. I found this book fascinating
and didn't want to put it down! Hook's writes about how both males and females
are affected by living in a patriarchal culture; changes that have occurred
within the past few decades, including some unexpectedly brought about by the
feminist movement; and the advantages to being a women over 40, for finding
real self-development and the essence of love. I want to buy a copy for my
personal library.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

I had never read anything of Murakami’s but now
that I have read Norwegian Wood I am hooked. This is the story of a young man
named Toru and his troubled friends. Toru, though a seemingly ordinary college
student, becomes mixed up in tragic relationships. This is a story of
friendship, love, devotion, and how being a young adult is far from ordinary.
One of the best books I have read in a long time.

Skulduggery Pleasant is an ace detective,
crackerjack sorcerer, a snappy dresser, and a mentor to his new friend
Stephanie. He's also a walking,talking, fire-throwing skeleton. Checkout their
adventure as they try to find the person responsible for Stephanie's uncle's
murder.

Salvation Mountain: The Art of Leonard Knight by Leonard Knight and Larry Yust

This book combines the story of Leonard Knight
in his own words with photographs of Salvation Mountain, his unique art project
made of adobe, window putty, and lots of paint in the Southern California
desert. The commentary focuses on the time when Knight's mountain was at the
center of a political controversy and in danger of being torn down, discussing
its role in the history of American folk art that has survived similar attacks,
such as the Watts Towers. Knight appears to be an amazing individual whose
lifestyle of simplicity and happiness extends God's love to everyone he comes
in contact with; hopefully his mountain will always be standing and proclaiming
that "God is love;" for as Knight says, "Love just makes a nice
day."

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James

I was surprisingly disappointed with this
book. Having enjoyed reading Jane Austen novels and crime-detective books, I
thought this would be a fun read but I found it ultimately lacking and the
writing style was not my cup of tea.

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil GaimanThis fantasy story is full of adventure. It is a
fun children's book by Neil Gaiman based off of the Viking Norse Myth legend of
the Gods - Thor, his brother Loki and his father Odin. I'd recommend this book
for young kids and fans of Neil Gaiman.

Monday, August 6, 2012

The Fairies in English Tradition and Literature by Katharine Mary Briggs

I’ve gotta say, I’m a little disappointed to
discover that a huge majority of fairies are pranksters with attitude (or
downright evil). This book is a marvelous historical study of fairy folk tales
which spans a breadth of magical creatures and sources. The author takes Fairy
Folklore more seriously than subsequent literature that mangled the stories for
the sake of morality, whimsy or romanticism.

The Body Artist by Don DelilloWhen a professor recommended The Body Artist to
me, he described it as a ghost story. After reading, I was pleasantly surprised
at how Delillo could craft such a story without any ghosts. In his trademark
elusive style, Delillo crafts the story of a woman who finds another person
secretly living in her house. A short read, but a good one indeed.

A childhood classic. Follow Milo through the tollbooth to learn the value of words, numbers and friendship and he attempts to save the Princess Rhyme and Reason. You'll finally understand all the puns that you missed in middle school.

The legend of the selkie is retold among a
modern day family living on the central Oregon Coast. What I enjoyed most about
this story is that it took specific places with which I am familiar (from
Beverley Beach to the local Fred Meyer's store) and used them as a mysterious
setting to unfold the drama and tragedy that surrounds one family. I
appreciated the almost realistic contemporary version of the ancient legend of
seals that can turn into humans and the way the reader is left speculating for
some time if this is really the case, but the ending seemed somewhat
underdeveloped.

Walks with Men by Ann BeattieThis is a well written short novel about a woman
who falls in love with Mr. Wrong. He is a smooth talking, older gentleman with
money who woos her straight out of college and whisks her through a life of
uncertainty. If you have ever had a relationship with someone who you knew was
bad for you, but you just couldn’t help but be with that person, you will
totally relate to the main character Jane.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafeby Fannie FlaggThis is an excellent book about the small town
of Whistle Stop, AL and the people and events that take place there. It is a
story of the South in the early 20th century, as well as a narrative about
love, loss, mystery, racism, growing up, and growing old. You will both laugh
and cry reading this one.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Batman: The Dark Knight Returnsby Frank Miller

I've read Miller's graphic novels before, and
was pleasantly surprised by his dark, gritty touch here with the Batman legend.
It was also nice to see similarities with this and Nolan's recent film release
of The Dark Knight Rises. Fans of Batman should definitely give this a read!

I have read the original novel, but found the
artwork in this graphic version to not fit the style and profound weight of the
story. The characters felt undeveloped and the pacing of the action moved too
quickly. I'd say pass on this and just read the original.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

A scholarly analysis of the English language as
it is used by neoliberalists to dominate economic markets, educational
institutions, and corporations around the world. An enlightening and thought
provoking critique of current English language programs in the United States
and Europe, with a special focus on how English has been used as a linguoracist
tool to de-historicize words like freedom, democracy, and community in an
attempt to posit the neoliberalist view as the only perspective in the
contemporary realm of political thought.

Monday, July 30, 2012

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyby Douglas Adams

This classic novel is a hilarious read for any
science fiction fan. There are very many memorable, quotable lines and moments
in this book filled with strange, intriguing characters and fantastical
situations.

This graphic novel is a beautifully illustrated
version of Neil Gaiman's children's book that is whimsical, funny and enjoyable
to read through. Coraline is a dark but imaginative story for both kids and
adults, and I highly recommend it!

Katniss survived the Quarter Quell only to find
herself a pawn in the rebellion against the Capitol. Will she survive yet
another battle and fulfill her wish to kill President Snow? The suspense builds
in this last book of The Hunger Games series.

Lullaby is one of the creepier of Chucks books
I've read. Throughout the entire read you are following Carl Streator and Helen
Hoover Boyle as they try to destroy all copies of the book of poems that
contains the culling song that when read kills the person who hears it. I
couldn’t put the book down! I was disappointed in the way the book ends, it
seemed a little too quick of a tie up and I wasn’t thrilled with the direction
he went, but otherwise a definite must read!

Taking place over the course of one night,
between the hours of midnight and dawn, in a somewhat disreputable section of
Tokyo, this story blurs the line between the dream and waking worlds as it
follows a young college student and her interactions with various people in the
city. There are aspects of this book that I surely do not completely understand
(or probably do not even begin to understand), but I appreciate its depth,
observation of details, and expressions of loneliness and alienation as well as
the beauty of the human spirit and people caring about other people. I also
like Murakami's writing style and the way he makes the reader's perception
change with the chapters, some of which are longer and full of action or
dialogue and are interspersed with shorter, more descriptive, surreal ones.

Friday, July 27, 2012

The Ritual: The Greatest Story Never Toldby Leon Davin

Presents a Christian interpretation of
Freemasonry ritual. Has a slight British bent to it and knowledge of Holy Royal
Arch chapter is helpful to understanding the author's viewpoint which can be a
little bit of a stretch at some points. May be an interesting read to some (it
was to me) but not recommended for a light afternoon adventure.

About Community of Readers

established in 2007 by the Leatherby Libraries, is the summer reading program for Chapman University. Reviewers give books one of four ratings: Highly Recommended, Recommended, Somewhat Recommended, or Not Recommended. Information about the program is available on the Community of Readers pages.